Hutchison: ‘I don’t have to say anything’ to voters

Susan Hutchison, the front runner in the race for King County executive, fired back at County Councilman Dow Constantine Wednesday afternoon after he said she’s too conservative for local voters and ducking an honest debate.

In a telephone interview with seattlepi.com Hutchison called Constantine a liar.

“This is inexcusable. In sum total he’s accused me of being an extremist and I’m a moderate.”

At a news conference Wednesday Constantine said Hutchison was against abortion, reportedly supports the teaching of creationism in public schools and has contributed to the campaigns of Republicans like George Bush and Mike Huckabee.

When asked what Constantine was lying about – specifically about abortion – Hutchison said she wouldn’t talk about specific issues not germane to King County politics.

“They fall in the categories of lies,” Hutchison said. “The guy doesn’t know me, he’s never met me. I’m not going to get specific any more than he would if he (was similarly questioned)….Why would a guy who’s never even known me start accusing me of these extreme statements.”

Hutchison said Constantine was himself ducking the fact that King County was in horrible shape, facing a $50 million budget deficit because of the poor management by people like Constantine.

“He’s doing this to take the heat away,” she said, “from the mess this county is in. It’s a Hail Mary on his part.”

Hutchison was asked what she would say to the voters to demonstrate that she is a moderate.

“I don’t have to say anything to the voters,” said Hutchison, a long-time local television personality. “They’ve known me for 20 years on the air. They’ve known me for another seven years as someone who has served in the community.”

Hutchison said she’s served on numerous boards and commissions and was never questioned about her views on social issues.

Constantine was pressed at his news conference why issues like abortion – which is a state issue – should be a part of the county executive’s race. He was asked what specific, germane question he would ask Hutchison if given the opportunity. He responded: “Would you vote to hold the line on the urban growth boundary. Would you vote to stop development outside of our urban areas, except on a rural scale. And that’s a critical issue with which we’re faced every year as land speculators seek to move that boundary and gobble up our farm and forest land for more and more suburban development.”

When asked about growth management issues Hutchison said “what I will do in King County is manage growth by bringing all the factions together. That is what I will do.”

The question of whether a candidate is liberal or conservative has changed in county-wide races. That’s because voters recently passed an initiative that ostensibly makes such offices nonpartisan – there’s no “D” or “R” next to candidates’ names.

Constantine, County Councilman Larry Phillips and state lawmakers Fred Jarrett and Ross Hunter are all elected Democrats who have long public records. Hutchison is running for office for the first time.